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Disabled Access Guide for National Portrait Gallery
St Martin′s Place
London
WC2H 0HE
Tel: 020 7306 0055
Fax: 020 7306 0056
Web: http://www.npg.org.uk
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Opening Times
| Day | Opening Times |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 - 21:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 - 21:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 - 18:00 |
Location
The venue is situated within the centre of the city.
This venue is situated in London.
The venue is not on a road with a steep gradient.
The nearest mainline Railway Station is Charing Cross.
There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
The nearest underground station is Leicester Square.
Parking
This venue does not have its own car park.
There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
On street marked Blue Badge bays are available.
The dimensions of the on street marked Blue Badge parking bays are 3m x 6.5m (9ft 10in x 21ft 3in).
On street Blue Badge parking is located on St Martin's Street.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
This information is for the entrance located on St Martin's Place.
There is not level access to the service.
The main doors open towards you (pull).
The doors are single width.
The doors are heavy.
The door opening is 120cm (3ft 11in) wide.
There is also a revolving door located at this entrance.
This entrance gives access to floor -1.
Level Change (Main Entrance)
There are steps to access this area/service.
The steps are located in front of the entrance.
There are 2 steps to the area/service.
The steps are not clearly marked.
The steps are medium.
The steps do not have handrails.
Outside Access (Shop Entrance)
This information is for the entrance located on St Martin's Place.
There is not level access to the service.
The main doors open automatically.
The doors are single width.
The door opening is 102cm (3ft 4in) wide.
The automatic door opens towards you.
The main part of the gallery is accessed from this entrance via the Gift Shop and Front lifts.
Level Change (Shop Entrance)
There is a ramp or slope to access this area/service.
The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.
The ramp or slope is moderate.
The ramp or slope is permanent.
There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
Lift (Gift Shop Lift)
There is a lift for public use.
The lift is located just inside the Shop entrance.
The lift is a standard lift.
The floors which are accessible by this lift are (-3) - shop entrance - (-1).
The lift is 3m (9ft 10in) from the shop entrance.
Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
The dimensions of the lift are 0.95m x 1.4m (3ft 1in x 4ft 7in).
The clear door width is 80cm.
There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
The lift does have an audible announcer.
The controls for the lift are not within reach for a wheelchair user.
The controls are between 110 and 120 cm.
The lighting level in the lift is medium.
The lift does not have Braille markings.
The lift does not have tactile markings.
The cafe is located on floor -3.
Access to the front lift is on floor -1, through the shop.
Outside Access (Orange Street Entrance)
This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the venue.
There is not level access to the service.
The main doors open automatically.
The doors are double width.
The door opening is 148cm (4ft 10in) wide.
There is a second set of doors.
The doors open away from you (push).
The doors are single width.
The doors are heavy.
The door opening is 78cm (2ft 6in) wide.
A member of staff is always available at this entrance to offer assistance with the manual door if required.
This entrance gives access to the ground floor.
Level Change (Orange Street Entrance)
There is a ramp or slope to access this area/service.
The ramp or slope is located to the right of the entrance as you face it.
The ramp or slope is moderate.
The ramp or slope is permanent.
There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
The width of the ramp or slope is 120cm (3ft 11in).
The ramp has handrails on both sides.
Reception (Information and Audio Guides Desk)
The reception desk is 10m (11yd) from the Front lift.
There is level access to reception from the entrance.
The reception desk is high.
The desk has a lowered section.
Lighting levels are medium.
There is a hearing assistance system.
The hearing system is a fixed loop.
Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
There is also an audio guides desk on floor 2, at the top of the escalator.
Reception (Cloakroom)
The reception desk is 30m (33yd) from the Front lift.
There is level access to reception from the entrance.
The reception desk is medium height.
The desk does not have a lowered section.
Lighting levels are medium.
There is not a hearing assistance system.
The cloakroom is located on the ground floor, just past the main Information and Audio Guides desk.
Photograph 2 shows some of the wheelchairs available to borrow from the cloakroom.
Inside Access
There is level access to the service.
There is a hearing assistance system.
The system is a portable loop.
Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
This venue does not play background music.
The lighting levels are varied.
Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
The hearing loops are available in the gallery shops.
Other Floors (Front Stairs)
The floors which are accessible by stairs are (-3)-(-2)-(-1)-G-L-1-2.
There are 15+ steps between floors.
The lighting level is medium.
The steps are not clearly marked.
The steps are deep.
The steps do have handrails.
There is not a landing.
Escalators can be used to access other floors.
The floors which are accessible by escalator are G -2.
The escalator steps are not clearly marked.
The head and foot of the escalators are not clearly marked.
The lighting level is bright.
At the time of research, the galley were in the process of ensuring that there is a handrail to cover all of the steps on these stairs. The side of the handrail will vary.
There are also stairs located next to the escalators in the Main Hall, which accesses floors G-M-1.
Other Floors (Rear Stairs)
The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1-2-3.
There are 15+ steps between floors.
The lighting level is medium.
The steps are not clearly marked.
The steps are medium height.
The steps do have handrails.
The steps have a handrail on both sides.
There is a landing.
Lift (Front Lift)
There is a lift for public use.
The lift is located along the corridor by the Front stairs.
The lift is a standard lift.
The floors which are accessible by this lift are (-2)-(-1)-G-L-1-2.
The lift is 30m (33yd) from the cafe lift.
Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
The dimensions of the lift are 1.6m x 1.68m (5ft 2in x 5ft 6in).
The clear door width is 80cm.
There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
The lift does have an audible announcer.
The controls for the lift are within reach for a wheelchair user.
The lighting level in the lift is medium.
The lift does have Braille markings.
The lift does have tactile markings.
Floor L is the landing on the Front stairs between G - 1, which has changing displays.
Lift (Rear Lifts)
There is a lift for public use.
The lift is located just inside the Orange Street entrance.
The lift is a standard lift.
The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1-2-3.
The lift is 13m (14yd) from the Orange Street entrance.
Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
The dimensions of the lift are 0.95m x 1.4m (3ft 1in x 4ft 7in).
The clear door width is 80cm.
There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
The lift does have an audible announcer.
The controls for the lift are within reach for a wheelchair user.
The lighting level in the lift is medium.
The lift does not have Braille markings.
The lift does have tactile markings.
Lift (IT Gallery Lift)
There is a lift for public use.
The lift is located next to the rear lifts.
The lift is a platform lift.
The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-M.
The lift is 17m (18yd) from the Onrange Street entrance.
Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
The dimensions of the lift are 1.02m x 1.4m (3ft 4in x 4ft 7in).
The clear door width is 76cm.
There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
The controls for the lift are within reach for a wheelchair user.
The lighting level in the lift is medium.
The lift does not have Braille markings.
The lift does have tactile markings.
This lift gives access to the IT Gallery on the Mezzanine floor.
Visitors are able to view all pictures in the galley, create tours and access further information on potraits.
Museum
Exhibits can be audio described.
Tactile signage for exhibits is not available.
Braille signage for exhibits is not available.
Touch tours are available.
The availability of touch tours depends on the exhibition.
Video tours are available.
There is a hearing assistance system.
The hearing system is a portable loop.
A deposit is not required for the hearing system.
Concessions are available.
There is a wheelchair to borrow.
To borrow a wheelchair ask at the cloakroom or call 020 7306 0055 in advance.
Large print versions of captions for a large number of potraits are available at the Information Desk. Large print captions are also available for temporary exhibitions.
Magnifying glasses are available from the main Information Desk.
Descriptive folders with tactile images are available throughout the Gallery and from the main Information Desk.
Guides tours are available for visually impaired visitors. For further information contact the Education Department on 020 7312 2483.
Visualising Potraits picture descriptions and workshops are also available. Please contact the Education Department for more details.
Audio guides are available free of charge, which include descriptive recordings on selected potraits.
Neck loops are available for hearing impaired visitors to access the audio guides.
BSL interpreted talks are available each month.
Theatre / Opera House (The Ondaatje Wing Theatre)
There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
Designated seating is located at the rear of the auditorium.
Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
A companion may sit with you.
Companions sit in front of you.
It is 18m (20yd) from the designated seating area to the nearest adapted toilet.
There is a hearing assistance system.
The hearing system is a fixed loop.
Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
The rows suitable for hearing loops are all but the front 4 rows.
There is a wheelchair to borrow.
Concessions are available.
Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
Access to the theatre is on floor -2.
There is a moderate ramp, which a handrail on the right hand side going up, leading to the theatre, shown in photograph 2.
Restaurant / Bar (Gift Shop Cafe)
The following information is for the cafe.
Once inside, there is level access to the service.
Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
No tables are permanently fixed.
No chairs are permanently fixed.
No chairs have armrests.
The nearest table is 9m (29ft 6in) from the cafe lift.
The distance between the floor and the lowest dining table is 42cm (1ft 4in) cm.
The distance between the floor and the highest dining table is 71cm (2ft 3in) cm.
Menus are wall only.
Menus are not available in Braille.
Menus are not available in large print.
Picture menus are not available.
Menus are clearly written.
Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
The type of food served here is sandwiches and snacks.
The cafe is located on floor -3, and is open during Gallery hours, closing 30 minutes before the Gallery.
Restaurant / Bar (Potrait Restaurant and Bar)
The following information is for the restaurant.
Once inside, there is level access to the service.
Full table service is available.
There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
No tables are permanently fixed.
Some chairs are permanently fixed.
Some chairs have armrests.
The nearest table is 15m (16yd) from the rear lifts.
The distance between the floor and the lowest dining table is 69cm (2ft 3in) cm.
The distance between the floor and the highest dining table is 69cm (2ft 3in) cm.
Menus are hand held.
Menus are not available in Braille.
Menus are not available in large print.
Picture menus are not available.
Menus are clearly written.
Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
The type of food served here is modern British cuisine.
The Restaurant is located on floor 3, and is open during Gallery Hours.
It closes 1 hour before the Gallery closes, except on Thursday and Friday, when it closes at 22.00.
Adapted Toilet (Front Toilets)
There are adapted toilets within this venue designated for public use.
Location of and access to adapted toilets
The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
The adapted toilet is 13m (14yd) from the front lift.
The adapted toilet is located on floor -2, to the right as you face the entrance to the Ondaatje Wing Theatre.
There is level access to the adapted toilet.
This is by lift.
Features and dimensions of adapted toilets
This is a unisex toilet.
A key is not required for the adapted toilet.
The door opens inwards.
The door is locked by a twist lock.
The width of the adapted toilet door is 89cm (2ft 11in).
The door is heavy.
The dimensions of the adapted toilet are 194cm x 222cm (6ft 4in x 7ft 3in).
Floor manoeuvring space is clear in the adapted toilet.
There is a lateral transfer space.
As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
The lateral transfer space is 74cm (2ft 5in).
There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
There is not a flush on the transfer side.
The tap type is lever.
There is not a mixer tap.
There is not a functional emergency alarm available.
It is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4in) from floor).
Disposal facilities are not available in the cubicle.
There is not a coat hook.
Position of fixtures in adapted toilets
Wall mounted rails are available.
As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
There is not a shelf within the adapted toilet.
There are mirrors in the adapted toilet.
Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
There is not a hand dryer.
There is a towel dispenser.
The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm.
There is a toilet roll holder.
The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm.
There is a sink.
The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
The sink is not placed higher than 74cm.
Colour contrast and lighting in adapted toilets
The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
The contrast between the grab rails and wall is poor.
The contrast between the drop down rails and wall is poor.
The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
Lighting levels are medium.
There is also an adapted on floor -2, shown in photograph 2, which has the transfer space on the left and baby changing facilities.
Standard Toilet (Front Toilets)
Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
Standard toilets are available.
Access to Standard Female and Male Toilets
The female and male toilets are located on floor -2, next to the Theatre.
The female and male toilets are 13m (14yd) from the Front lift.
Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilet.
This is by lift.
Lighting levels are medium.
Baby Change Facilities
Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
The baby change facilities are located in the family room next, by the floor -2 toilets.
The height of the baby change table once extended is 98cm (3ft 2in).
Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
This is by lift.
Adapted Toilet (Rear Toilets)
There are adapted toilets within this venue designated for public use.
Location of and access to adapted toilets
There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
The adapted toilet is 17m (18yd) from the Orange Street entrance.
The adapted toilet is located in the toilet area, to the left of the Orange Street entrance as you enter.
There is level access to the adapted toilet.
Features and dimensions of adapted toilets
This is a unisex toilet.
A key is not required for the adapted toilet.
The door opens by sliding.
The door is locked by a twist lock.
The width of the adapted toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
The door is light.
The dimensions of the adapted toilet are 105cm x 154cm (3ft 5in x 5ft ).
Floor manoeuvring space is clear in the adapted toilet.
There is a lateral transfer space.
As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
The lateral transfer space is 74cm (2ft 5in).
There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
There is not a flush on the transfer side.
The tap type is lever.
There is a mixer tap.
There is a functional emergency alarm available.
Disposal facilities are not available in the cubicle.
There is a coat hook.
The coat hook is not within 120cm (3ft 11in) from floor level.
Position of fixtures in adapted toilets
Wall mounted rails are available.
As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
There is not a shelf within the adapted toilet.
There are mirrors in the adapted toilet.
The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
There is not a hand dryer.
There is a towel dispenser.
The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm.
There is a toilet roll holder.
The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm.
There is a sink.
The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
The sink is placed higher than 74cm.
The sink is 75cm (2ft 5in) high.
Colour contrast and lighting in adapted toilets
The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
The contrast between the grab rails and wall is fair.
The contrast between the drop down rails and wall is fair.
The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
Lighting levels are medium.
There is also an adapted toilet on floor 3, outside the restaurant, which has the transfer space on the right.
Standard Toilet (Rear Toilets)
Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
Standard toilets are available.
Access to Standard Female and Male Toilets
The female and male toilets are located in the toilet area by the Orange Street entrance.
The female and male toilets are 16m (17yd) from the Orange Street entrance.
Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilet.
Lighting levels are bright.
Baby Change Facilities
Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
The baby change facilities are located in the floor 3 adapted toilet.
The height of the baby change table once extended is 96cm (3ft 1in).
Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
This is by lift.
There are also standard toilets located on floor 3, by the restaurant.
Additional Information
Staff do receive disability awareness training.
Documents are not available in Braille.
Documents are available in large print.
Registered assistance dogs are welcomed.
A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not generally on duty.
This service can be requested.
Staff are not Text Relay aware.
Plastic cups are available.
Plastic cutlery is not available.
Drinking straws are available on request.
